Fraudsters in West Africa Now Using Call Back Number with US Area Codes
ARC has issued a number of Fraud Alerts informing travel agents about fraudsters using compromised credit cards to purchase tickets with routing originating in West Africa - most often Nigeria and Ghana. We have learned that the fraudsters are now using cell phones with US area codes for call back numbers. This lends a new level of authenticity to the transaction. After all, who would suspect that a call from Moline, IL, or Rochester, NY, would really be originating in Africa?
We are not suggesting that all tickets originating in Africa are purchased with compromised credit cards. We are, however, suggesting that you should know your customer. Ask yourself the question: "Why would this person who I have never, ever done any business with, suddenly pick my agency to ticket 6 business class tickets valued at $30,000?" If it sounds too good to be true, watch your wallet.
Credit card transactions with the card not physically present place the liability for fraud on the travel agent making the transaction.
